GENERAL BIOLOGY (BIO 1150R)
Fall 2008
NOTE: The schedule is tentative and subject to change
Instructor:
Rosemarie Mier
Department Chair:
Nancy Peterson
Fredericktown Center Marcy Asher
573-783-2203 rmier@mineralarea.edu
573-518-2227 npeterse@mineralrea.edu
573-783-2932 marcy@mineralarea.edu
I. Course Description Biology 115: 5 credit hours
This course presents basic biological concepts and principles fundamental to the understanding of the
operation of biological systems. The nature of science, biological organization, characteristics and chemistry of
the cell, energy relationships, heredity, classification, evolution, behavior, and ecological principles are presented.
II. Reference Materials
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Textbook:
Mader, S. 2007. Biology, 9 edition. McGraw-Hill: New York.
Online resources: www.mhhe.com/maderbiology9
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Lab Manual: Mader, S. 2007. Customized Biology Laboratory Manual, 9 ed. McGraw-Hill: New York.
III. Course Objectives
Students will:
understand the methods of science, the nature of science, and its limitations
learn the characteristics of living things from the cellular to the organism level
understand the principles of genetics and relate it to the evolution of living organisms
establish an awareness of the interrelationships between organisms and their environment
IV. Learning Experiences
The course is divided into one 3 ½- hour lecture and one 3 ½ -hour lab per week. The lecture time is
devoted mostly to lecture with some class discussion of the material presented. The laboratory work
complements the lectures and is scheduled to correspond with the lecture topics.
V. Course Content
The course is designed to give students a foundation in the biological sciences that can be applied in
many fields and in everyday life decisions. Topics include the process of science, the structures and functions of
cells, energetics and metabolism of cells, genetics, the evolution of living organisms, the interrelatedness of all
life, and ecology and environmental science.
VI. Course Policies and Expectations of Students
General expectations of students:
o Attend and participate in all class activities.
o Complete all assignments by instructor‟s established deadlines. Late work is not accepted!!
o Make up exams are given only to students who have a valid excuse and who make arrangements to
take it within one week following the administration of the missed exam.
o The student is responsible for obtaining copies of the lecture notes, handouts, reading assignments,
etc. from classmates if a class is missed. If assignments are due on the day you are absent, email
the assignment to me or drop it off at the main Fredericktown MAC office. If you have an emergency,
leave a message at my home or call the Fredericktown MAC office.
o Cheating on tests results in the student receiving an F on that test.
o Cell phones must remain on silent during class; text messages are not allowed
o Students are not to leave class except during breaks
o Misconduct for which students are subject to college discipline includes dishonesty such as cheating,
plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the college. Plagiarism is the intentional use of
someone else‟s work and includes copying from another student. Students who plagiarize will
receive an F in the course and may be subject to college disciplinary proceedings.
Laboratory expectations of students:
o Labs are designed as a reinforcement of the lecture topics. They provide an opportunity to apply
information and develop a deeper understanding of the topics. If the student masters the objectives
of the labs and is able to answer the review questions, then he or she is better prepared for the exam
that will cover that material. Therefore, to get the most out of labs, the student should:
 Read the laboratory and understand the objectives before coming to class
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
During the lab, work equally in groups, discuss problems, and ask questions. Each student is
to complete all laboratory procedures. Formulate your own answers to questions before
checking with others.
o Labs are scheduled for 3 hours and 20 minutes. Plan to remain for the entire session, helping other
students and with clean-up if you finish early; reviews are at the end of the lab period
o Notify the instructor if you have a reason to miss a lab. There are no makeups due to the
inconvenience in setting up labs, but you may complete an assignment in lieu of one lab only.
Attendance
o Students missing three consecutive classes will be dropped from the course.
o Except under exceptional circumstances, students missing more than any two sessions will have their
course grade reduced by a letter grade for each session missed beyond two. Coming late or leaving
early will count for ½ session.
VII. Evaluation
Mineral Area College employs a five-level grading system using the letters A, B, C, D, F, W, I, H and P.
o A (90-100%) Superior work
D (60-69%) Below average work
o B (80-89%) Above average
F (less than 60%) Work is undeserving of credit
o C (70-79%) Average work
W Withdrew from course
Vocabulary Quizzes
13 at 10 pts. each, 3 lowest dropped
Miscellaneous assignments
100 pts.
Current events summaries
7 @ 10 points each
70
Lab Participation
14 @ 10 pts, drop lowest
130
Lecture exams
4 at 100 points each
Comprehensive final
400
100
100
VIII. Assignments/Assessments
In the News
Write a summary of a current (within 6 months) news article or web page that is related to biology. If you
are absent on the day it is due, email or take it to the Fredericktown MAC office on the day it is due. Use the “In
the News” guideline sheet.
Laboratory
The lab manual questions and review are designed to help you master the objectives of the lab.
Complete the worksheets during the lab, and then complete the lab review as a study guide. The study guide is
discussed at the end of the lab or at the beginning of the next class meeting. The unit lecture exams include
material from the lab review sheets. You receive points for completing the lab, so if you miss a lab, ask for an
alternate assignment (NOTE: only one lab may be “made up” with an alternate assignment).
Lecture
Lecture exams are a mixture of multiple choice, fill-in-the blank, identification, short answer, and essay
questions, and include material from the labs. The final exam is comprehensive of all chapters covered, except
those on the last lecture exam. Quizzes are over vocabulary for each chapter and are given at the start of lecture.
IX. Disability Policy
The Rehabilitation Act of 1971 (Public Law 93-112), Section 504, provides that „no otherwise qualified
handicapped individual in the United States shall, solely by reason of handicap, be excluded from the participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program of activity receiving federal
financial assistance.”
“Section 504 applies to postsecondary education programs and activities. It designates that . . .
academic requirements must be modified, on a case-by-case basis, to afford qualified students with disabilities an
equal educational opportunity.” (“Disability Accommodation Handbook,” Mineral Area College: 2)
Students who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act should notify me
so reasonable accommodations may be made.
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